In other words, those who rooted their Xperia S on Sony's previous firmware will have to root the device again (using our guide), in order to be able to install third-party root apps, custom ROMs and system tweaks on the handset.

There is still no word if a simpler one-click root toolkit would be made available for the handset by XDA Recognised Developer, DooMLoRD. However, Xperia S LT26i users can enjoy root access on both locked and unlocked bootloaders, thanks to the recently released DooMLoRD rooting tool.

NOTE: Instructions provided in this guide are meant for reference purpose only. IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any device damage during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

DooMLoRD Rooting tool and instructions provided in this guide works on Sony Xperia S LT26i model only. Do not attempt this root method on any other model as it may permanently damage or hard brick the device. Verify the device model number by navigating to Settings > About Device > Model Number

Root method used in this guide requires a Windows-based computer or laptop.

10. Follow the onscreen instructions to unplug the phone from computer and then power it off. Then boot the phone into Flash Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down button while connecting it via USB cable to computer.

11. The phone's display should remain blank at this time. Let the Flashtool run the kernel installation process and once the flashing process is done, a "Flashing finished" message will appear on screen.

12. Reboot the phone.

13. Once again connect it to computer in USB Debugging mode.

14. Close the flashtool on computer.

15. Download DooMLoRD_Easy-Rooting-Toolkit_v18_perf-event-exploit.zip and extract it to a new folder on desktop.

16. Double-click on the runme_file in the new extracted folder and the phone will get rooted.

17. Once the rooting process completes, repeat Step 4 to 12 using XperiaS_LT26i_6.2.B.1.96_KernelOnly.ftf. These steps will help in restoring the stock 6.2.B.1.96 kernel to your device.